Goolagong Cawley's trophies acquired for nation

15 NOVEMBER 2005

Tennis champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley's Wimbledon trophies
have found a home at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra -
with the spoils of her 1980 victory set to go on show in a new
sports exhibition opening on 1 December.

The National Museum recently acquired Evonne's 1971 and 1980
Wimbledon singles trophies, the trophy from her 1974 doubles win
and two racquets used in the tournaments. Previously, the museum
took part in Evonne's annual charity sporting auction, buying a
tracksuit top and a Teddy Tinling dress she wore in the early
1970s. The Tinling dress will also be displayed.

'I'm delighted that my Wimbledon trophies and associated
memorabilia have found a single and permanent home at the National
Museum where they can be viewed by all who wish to,' Evonne
said.

'I have never been one to display trophies at home even though I
was fortunate to win a lot of them but these are special and ever
since I first won at Wimbledon in 1971, I have received requests to
see or borrow them. To that end over the years, they have either
been on display at different institutions or functions or locked
away between times in secure storage. I feel honoured that people
want to see them and thanks to my ongoing relationship with the
National Museum, they can now be seen long after I am gone.'

From the courts in Barellan, New South Wales, Evonne went on to
become of the world's top tennis players, winning the Australian
Open three times, the French Open once and Wimbledon twice. Her
story is told in the new exhibition, Sport: A National
Obsession?

'Evonne had incredible natural talent and received strong
support from the people of Barellan, who helped her train in
Sydney,' said curator Joanne Bach. 'Her story is even more
remarkable because she is one of very few women who have won a
major tournament as a mother.'

Media are invited to meet Evonne Goolagong Cawley in the
National Museum's Nation Gallery at 12pm tomorrow, Wednesday, 16
November. Curator Joanne Bach will also be available for
comment.

Sport: A National Obsession opens in the National
Museum's Nation Gallery on 1 December and will be on permanent
display. It looks at the history of various sports and how sport
often reflects values in society. Other objects going on show
include Paralympian Michael Milton's downhill ski, Don Bradman's
batting pads, Layne Beachley's surfboard, Lote Tuqiri's Dally M
trophy and Phar Lap's heart. Entry to the museum's permanent
galleries is free.